Friends With Money #281: Mortgage myths and misconceptions

Hosted By
Published
Share

From deposits and pre-approvals to offset accounts and paying off your loan, there's no shortage of misconceptions around mortgages.

On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Jack Elliott, mortgage broker and national first home buyer specialist at Alcove and First Home Unlocked.

They bust some of the most common mortgage myths.

friends with money podcast mortgage myths and misconceptions

Episode timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Do you need a 20% deposit to buy a home?

06:38 Does mortgage pre-approval guarantee loan approval?

10:22 Is the lowest home loan rate always the best deal?

13:36 Are offset accounts always worth it?

17:29 Should you pay off your mortgage in full if you can?

19:31 Conclusion

Friends With Money podcast FAQ

What is the Friends With Money podcast?

Friends With Money is a weekly personal finance podcast by Money magazine, offering expert insights on investing, budgeting, superannuation, property, and other money strategies for everyday Australians.

Where can I listen to the podcast?

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube (with closed captions available).

Who hosts Friends With Money?

Episodes are hosted by Vanessa Walker and Tom Watson from Money magazine, featuring expert guests and real conversations about money.

Is the podcast suitable for beginners?

Yes! It's designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering valuable insights for seasoned investors.

What topics does the podcast cover?

The Friends With Money podcast covers topics including banking, property, budgeting, superannuation, investing, saving, insurance, employment, travel and more.

How often are new episodes released?

New episodes are released weekly, so you can stay up to date with the latest financial tips and trends.

Can I watch episodes with captions?

Yes, full episodes with closed captions are available on YouTube.

Why subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast?

Boost your financial literacy anytime, anywhere with the Friends With Money podcast from Money magazine. Whether you're commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, this weekly podcast makes it easy to grow your money knowledge on the go.

Each episode dives into real conversations about money - how it's earned, shared, saved, and grown - with tips and insights that make finance simple and relatable. Perfect for beginners and seasoned investors alike, it's your go-to guide for building better financial habits.

Subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast today and start learning when it suits you.

Get stories like this in our newsletters.

Related Stories

Tom Watson is a senior journalist at Money magazine, which won three awards at the 2026 Mumbrella Publish Awards, and one of the hosts of the Friends With Money podcast. He's previously worked as a journalist covering everything from property and consumer banking to financial technology. Tom has a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Connect with Tom Watson on LinkedIn.

Jack Elliott is a mortgage broker and national first home buyer specialist at Alcove and co-host of First Home Unlocked, a podcast designed to guide first home buyers through the buying journey. Jack holds a Certificate IV and diploma in mortgage broking. Connect with Jack Elliott on LinkedIn.